While still in the shadow of the basketball team, the UConn football program has steadily improved under head coach Jim Mora.

The Huskies are 5-3 this season and have won four of their last five games, the only loss being a fluke three-point loss to Wake Forest.

There are three reasons why UConn will likely bowl this season.

UConn vs Georgia State Prediction

First, running back Durrell Robinson has exploded out of the backfield.

He has 425 rushing yards and four scores for over 7.5 YPC in his last five games, including a 150-yard, two-touchdown game against Florida Atlantic and a 130-yard, one-touchdown game against Rice.

Second, the Huskies’ secondary has improved significantly, ranking in the top 40 nationally in Pro Football Focus’ coverage ratings behind top cornerback Jordan Wright, who is allowing 4.7 yards per reception on 22 targets.

They ranked ninth nationally in EPA per dropback allowed and 12th in pass success rate.

Finally, the Huskies defense consistently came off the field and led all FBS teams in third and fourth down conversion rates allowed (30%).

Betting on college football?

UConn’s Friday Night Lights opponent, the 2-5 Georgia State Panthers, can’t stop dynamic rushing attacks (ranks under 100 nationally in EPA per rush and rush explosiveness allowed), attacks primarily from the air (ranks 16th). in pass play rate). and have the ninth-worst third-down conversion rate in the country (35%).

My numbers put the Huskies closer to the 8.5-point favorite, but given the schematic matchup, I’m expecting a double-digit win.

THE GAME: UConn -7.5 (-110, DraftKings)

Why you should trust New York Post Betting

Tanner McGrath has been a professional sports handicapper since 2018. He specializes in college sports and baseball and is a die-hard fan of the Vermont Catamounts, the Miami Marlins and all the underdogs in his homeland. He found himself on the wrong side of the Miami Miracle in 2018, but made up for it four years later by beating Sandy Alcantara at 40/1 to win the NL Cy Young.